In Japan, Trump says he’s unfazed by North Korea missile launches

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says the country is facing a "natural disaster of unprecedented proportions" as wildfires wipe out hundreds of homes and force thousands to flee. He apologises to Greeks for possible "weaknesses" in the state's response, and says "those who lost homes and property will be compensated".

Despite Trudeau's COVID policies being widely seen as a success, he called the early vote in a bid to give his Liberal government a new mandate to steer Canada's pandemic exit.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin called it quits after months of political turmoil. He defied calls for resignation for weeks, saying he would hold elections next year.

Israeli premier Bennett said Egypt could help restart the peace process with the Palestinians, while Egyptian President Al-Sisi said he wants to "strengthen regional security."

Taro Kono may be the favorite with members of the Liberal Democratic Party, but factional politics mean that Fumio Kishida is likely to emerge as Japan's new prime minister, say experts.

New Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces many economic challenges, not least the impact of the pandemic. However, major policy changes are not expected, at least in the short term.

Iraqi forces claim to have captured a high-ranking IS leader in an international operation.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tells MEPs in the European Parliament that Poland rejects EU "blackmail" on legal matters, saying the Constitution remains "the supreme law" for his country.

The residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was hit in an apparent drone attack, Iraqi officials said. The military has described the strike as an assassination attempt.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis' Cabinet met on Thursday to tender their resignation. The move follows the coalition agreement between center-right parties after last month's elections.

Thousands across Sudan have protested a deal between military and civilian leaders to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was ousted in a coup. The main opposition bloc now rejects any power-sharing with the military.

Burkina Faso's Prime Minister Christophe Joseph Marie Dabire has resigned amid an escalating security crisis that led to street protests calling for his ouster. President Roch Marc Christian Kabore accepted Dabire's letter of resignation on Wednesday.